Definition
The position of ''SA-Stabschef'', not yet a rank, was established in 1929 to assist the '' Oberste SA-Führer'' (Supreme SA Leader) with the administration of the fast-growing organization. Otto Wagener held the office under ''Oberste SA-Führer'' Franz Pfeffer von Salomon from 1928 to 1930, and effectively headed the SA from Hitler's assumption of the title ''Oberste SA-Führer'' in August until Ernst Röhm replaced him in January 1931. The actual SA rank of ''Stabschef'' was created by Röhm for himself in 1933 after Hitler became chancellor. Although Hitler became the supreme commander of the SA in 1930, the day-to-day running of the organization was left to the chief of staff. Thus, the men who held the rank of ''Stabschef'' after 1930 were the actual leaders of the SA.Office holders
The office of ''Stabschef'' was held by four different people between 1929 and 1945 and was, in all but the first case of succession, inherited due to the death of a predecessor. The following SA officers held the office of ''Stabschef'':Insignia
Early insignia for ''Stabschef'' consisted of an oak leaf patch worn on the collar of the stormtrooper uniform. Photographic evidence shows Ernst Röhm wearing such an insignia in his early days as the SA Chief of Staff. As Röhm's authority increased, so did his insignia and by mid 1931 photographic evidence shows him wearing wreathed star that was designed after that of a Bolivian General's collar, due to Röhm's previous military experience as a military adviser in Bolivia. After 1933, the insignia for ''Stabschef'' consisted of a "crossed lances" pattern, wreathed by a half oak leaf circle. After 1934, the insignia was changed to a wreathed tri-foil oak leaf pattern similar to the SS rank insignia of ''Notes
See also
* List of senior officers of the SturmabteilungReferences
Bibliography
* * * * * {{Nazi Germany Paramilitary Ranks Sturmabteilung Nazi paramilitary ranks